Board Member Spotlight
Ambassador Lyndon L. Olson, Jr.
mbassador Lyndon L. Olson,
Jr., served on Scott & White
Healthcare’s advisory board in
the early 1990s. Six years ago, he became
a member of its Board of Trustees;
bringing to his new position a seasoned
perspective and a passion for healthcare.
“I’ve watched Scott & White grow into a
major health center that has significantly
improved the quality of care in the
region,” says Ambassador Olson, who lives
in his hometown of Waco, TX. “I decided
some time ago that Scott & White was
an institution where I wanted to invest
my time.
“The board is a wonderful group of
intelligent people with very different
life experiences. They bring informed
judgment to Scott & White and it’s a
delight to serve with them,” he says.
A
Former US Ambassador to Sweden
Former president and CEO, Travelers
Insurance Holdings, Inc.
Former president and CEO, National
Group Insurance Co.
Former chairman, Texas State Board
of Insurance
Former president, National
Association of Insurance
Commissioners
Former member, Texas State House
of Representatives
Passion for healthcare
“A hospital is one of the most significant
institutions in a human being’s life. We are
in a hospital at some of the most intimate
times in our lives, such as having a baby,
losing a loved one to death or when our
own health is at risk,” says Ambassador
Olson. “Add to that the research and
education that takes place in a teaching
hospital, and all that it contributes to the
broader world. The impact of what
happens at Scott & White is immense.
“In reality, a lot of healthcare
institutions don’t give the kind of focused,
holistic care that society would hope for—
but Scott & White definitely does that,”
he says.
“Scott & White’s expansion has been
significant, almost futuristic. There’s a real
commitment to quality of care,” says
Ambassador Olson.
Far-reaching experience
Nominated by President Clinton,
Ambassador Olson was the US ambassador
to Sweden from 1997 to 2002, a position
first held by Benjamin Franklin. Appointed
by the president, an ambassador becomes
the highest ranking American in the
country of service, representing the United
States in that country in all matters.
Ambassador Olson also enjoyed a
long and distinguished career in the
insurance industry and in government and
associations, and has a deep and broad
understanding of the nuances of
healthcare delivery in America.
He has been appointed to a number of
international negotiation teams related to
insurance and trade agreements. “The key
to effective negotiation is to listen,” says
Ambassador Olson. “Be informed about
the conflicts, pressures and perspectives of
the people with whom you’re dealing.
Have a clear vision about what you
want to accomplish. The leadership at
Scott & White has done a wonderful job
in that capacity.” ■
Spring 09 THE CATALYST
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